It is the next day, and Serena is up on deck, brushing her Pokemon after eating breakfast with the group. Ash and Timothy told her that they will meet her up top on the ship once they finished breakfast with the others, and Ash's Pokemon are fully rested. As Serena brushes Pancham, Braixen, and Sylveon sit comfortably on the bench next to her, having already been groomed while Absol lies down on the floor next to her legs with Poliwag standing beside it.

With one last brush, Serena finishes grooming Pancham and turns to Poliwag.

"Alright, time to groom your tail, Poliwag," she says with a smile.

"Poli, Poli!" Poliwag says happily as it hops onto her lap, and she starts brushing its tail.

Serena looks at her tadpole Pokemon with a fond look, watching it happily enjoy being groomed. Her mind goes into yesterday's events when she briefly traded it to Ash. Her cheeks warm up slightly as she remembers how shocking yet touching it was for Ash to choose her out of everyone to help with evolving his Pokemon. Even though she knows he only considers her just a good friend, Serena is happy to have had that moment with him.

As she brushes Poliwag's tail, she hears footsteps, and she turns to see Timothy and Electchu walking toward her and her Pokemon. She stops grooming Poliwag and looks at the two of them in confusion.

"Timothy, where's Ash?" She asks.

"Ah, he told me to go on ahead while he tries to calm down his Primeape," Timothy answers while he and his partner sit on an empty bench next to her and Poliwag. "I guess Odyssey, and I overdid humiliating it during the match."

Serena gives a sad smile and says, "I don't blame poor Primeape. It's been working hard to be such a great fighter, and you really hurt its pride when it lost to another fighting type like Odyssey."

"Heh. Well, my pride was hurt when Boldore took down Blitzwing, so I was hoping that would make us even. I guess it's going to hold a grudge until it somehow beats Odyssey," Timothy says, chuckling. "Poor fella. It's going to be waiting a long time."

"Raichu," Electchu says with a nod.

"Don't be too sure of that," Serena says with a confident smile. "Ash has a way of overcoming the impossible with his Pokemon when he puts his mind to it."

"We'll see," Timothy says. "I don't plan to let him get the better of me again like he did with Boldore against Blitzwing."

"I'm sure Ash is counting on it," Serena says.

The two of them remain silent for a couple of minutes while Serena finishes brushing Poliwag's tail. Once she's done, the tadpole Pokemon hops off, and Absol jumps onto Serena's bench to be brushed. The disaster Pokemon lays its head on her lap as it is groomed and Timothy clears his throat to start another conversation.

"So..." he begins. "You said you only have only done a double battle once before the other day, right?"

"Mmm-hmmm," Serena answers.

Timothy nods back and says, "Why don't you tell me about that time to give me an idea of what to teach you? That might be a good thing to get clear while we're waiting for Ash."

Serena smiles and says, "Okay, let's see. My first double battle was against Aria. She is a Pokemon performer who holds the title of Kalos Queen, but I didn't know that at the time. I was having a rough day figuring out my performance with Pancham and Braixen back when it was a Fennekin. Aria came to me in disguise and offered to join her in going shopping to cheer me up. She told me how everyone makes mistakes and to keep working with your Pokemon."

"How true," Timothy says, giving Electchu a small smile.

Serena nods before she continues.

"So after I apologized to my Pokemon, Aria challenged me to a double battle," she says "So Fennekin, and Pancham and I went against Aria with her Delphox and her Aromatisse. I tried to hit her Pokemon with Stone Edge and Flamethrower, but her Aromatisse kept using Reflect and Delphox overpowered Fennekin with its own Flamethrower. Fennekin was struggling to get up, and Pancham was defending Fennekin as best as it could. I was so worried until Aria called out to me and told me that my Pokemon needed to work together. I realized how much I needed to do that and reassured my Pokemon that everything will be okay. Fennekin responded by suddenly evolving into Braixen, and then together with my Pokemon hit Aria's Pokemon with a Flamethrower and Dark Pulse combo, which created this beautiful display of fireworks. Delphox and Aromatisse barely received any damage, but we were all too amazed at the spectacle my Pokemon created to care. But just as we were hoping to continue the battle, Aria was called away and had to leave, and that was that."

Timothy hums in acknowledgment and looks away from Serena. The two of them remain silent again as Serena finishes brushing Absol, and so all five of her Pokemon leave to go play together. Serena has an adoring smile on her face as she watches her Pokemon happily play until Timothy speaks again.

"That all seems to add up," he says.

"How so?" Serena asks, turning to Timothy, confused.

Timothy turns to the honey blonde girl with a skeptical look like a teacher grading a student on a class project.

"You understand that your Pokemon need to work together with you, but you have little experience of what it's like to try to defeat both of your opponents Pokemon with yours," he says. "Judging by the way you and Dawn explained how things went at Cinnabar Island when we were eating dinner last night and what you said just now about your battle against Aria, it's clear that you've never had a real double battle from beginning to end."

"What do you mean?" Serena asks.

"You had your battle with Giselle in which Giselle really only had one Pokemon to face yours because her Rhyhorn liked you and then you had a similar situation where you only had one Pokemon to face both of Dawn's because she took down your Braixen pretty quick," Timothy points out. "So you've never had a real double battle in which both pairs of Pokemon face each other in an ongoing battle of teamwork, skill, and strategy with their respective trainers. You got lucky with Giselle, but you didn't have a chance against someone so experienced like Dawn."

Serena frowns and says, "That's a little harsh."

"Sorry, but I gotta tell it like it is," Timothy says. "So, I think one of the main things you need to experience while Ash and I help you is how to have a real double battle."

Serena's face falls, and she looks down before she nods in understanding. But just then, she hears footsteps again and looks up to see Ash, Pikachu, Dawn, and Piplup walking over to her.

"Sorry we took so long," he says sincerely while scratching his nose. "Primeape really wants to get back at Timothy and Odyssey."

"That's putting it mildly," Dawn grumbles.

"Pikachu," Pikachu says with a nervous chuckle.

Serena smiles warmly at the raven-haired boy she deeply adores.

"That's alright, Ash," she says while standing up. "We were just having a conversation."

"Really? About what?" Ash asks.

"Oh, just clarifying a couple of things about Serena's battle experience," Timothy answers while standing up. "Speaking of which, let's get on with teaching Serena, shall we?"

Serena turns to Timothy and smiles.

"Yes, please," she says kindly. "I'm ready to show the world I can double battle like a pro."

"That's the spirit, Serena," Ash says happily with a pleased grin. "So, how shall we begin?"

"Well, if neither of you don't mind, I'd like to start teaching some things first," Timothy says politely. "I'll start a practice battle with her so that she knows the basics."

"Okay, then teach away," Ash says without hesitation.

Dawn nods in agreement and Timothy smirks before walking to the middle of the open deck with Electchu. He takes out a Pokeball, and with a simple toss into the air, the ball opens, and Poliwrath comes out looking ready to crush something.

"Let's use the two Pokemon we have had the longest, shall we?" He suggests. "I think you'll have a better understanding with the Pokemon you have the deepest bond with."

"Okay," Serena says before turning to her Pokemon. "Braixen, Pancham, to my side. Everyone else, watch and listen to what Timothy says closely."

Her five Pokemon stop playing, and Braixen and Pancham run over to her while Sylveon, Poliwag, and Absol walk over to stand next to Ash, Pikachu, and Dawn. Timothy looks around to make sure everyone is ready before he clears his throat.

"Okay," he begins. "Now, I think one of the first things I think you should work on are the combos you create with a Pokemon."

"Really? Why that first?" Ash asks, confused.

"Because while Serena knows how to do combos for performances, she doesn't have the drive to use them to seriously damage her opponents," Timothy says. "Creating a spectacle may be important when battling your opponent in a contest battle, but it's still a battle. You won't get far in a double battle if the combos you create with your Pokemon don't cause real damage. Observe."

Timothy walks over to the railing of the ship and gestures Electchu and Poliwrath to follow him. Everyone else looks at the man in the "H.A.K." shirt and his Pokemon curiously until Timothy points at the ocean.

"Hydro Pump and Thunder combo," he says bluntly.

Electchu and Poliwrath look at each other like delinquent kids excited to light a firecracker in the middle of the road before they simultaneously use their respective attacks. The Hydro Pump and Thunder clash together and hit the spot on the ocean where Timothy is pointing, and it explodes into a mushroom cloud of water. Ash, Serena, Dawn, and their Pokemon stare in awe at the display while Timothy turns to them.

"Now obviously how effective the two moves are together or if they will merge into a combo at all varies," Timothy says. "In fact, it usually takes a lot of trial and error."

"That makes sense," Serena says. "My Pokemon and I have certainly been through a lot of that just for performing."

"So have I," Dawn says. "But it really is better to practice any ideas you have before trying them in a contest. Trust me, I've come up with ideas on the spot during a contest battle and long story short it didn't end well."

"I can vouch for that," Ash says.

Timothy nods before he continues.

"Now, another thing you want to work on is your teamwork with your Pokemon," he says before turning to Ash. "Ash, would you like to take this one?"

"Absolutely," Ash says with a grin before turning to Serena. "Now Serena, you have the right idea that you and your Pokemon need to work together, and that's awesome. But like any battle, your Pokemon have to trust both you and each other and watch each other's backs. Think of how Pancham was defending Fennekin when you battled with Ariana or when Pikachu was defending Eevee when we were battling against Miette and that guy with blue hair and sunglasses. In a double battle, you have to ensure the safety of both Pokemon, and that means coming up with ways that your Pokemon protect each other,"

"Oh, like how Giselle's Rhyhorn protected Espeon from Absol's Night Slash or when Dawn had Quilava use Smokescreen to cover Piplup while it was making that giant bubble," Serena says.

"Exactly," Dawn says, smiling. "It's great if your Pokemon take the initiative to protect each other, but you have to be the one who makes the call to have them protect each other in a way that's both effective and imaginative. That's the key to a good contest double battle."

"I have to make the call to have my Pokemon protect each other in a way that's both creative and imaginative," Serena repeats out loud while she thinks. "Okay, that makes sense. I understand what you guys are saying. I think I can do all of that."

"Oh, you can, can you?" Timothy says, intrigued with her confidence. "Then I suggest you show us with a practice battle. Electchu and Poliwrath against Braixen and Pancham."

Serena smirks and replies, "Alright, I accept your challenge."

Timothy smirks back and turns to Ash and Dawn.

"Would either of you like to be the judge?" He asks.

Dawn quickly steps up and abruptly says, "I'll judge. This is for contest battling, so it should be judged by an experienced coordinator. Plus, Ash should stand behind Serena to coach her in case she needs a reminder of what we're teaching her."

Serena's pupils shrink, and she turns to Dawn with her cheeks turning pink. The bluenette merely smirks and winks at her, showing once again that she's using her idea as a means for Serena to be with her crush. Timothy notices the way the two girls are looking at each other and raises an eyebrow while Ash smiles, unaware of what's going on.

"Good idea, Dawn," he says before turning to Serena. "Don't worry, Serena. With my help and you're creative mind, we'll make a great double battler out of you before you know it."

Serena chuckles awkwardly and nods at Ash. Timothy keeps his eyebrow raised until he decides to let it go.

"Alright then, let's get this battle started," he says. "Fair warning, though, just because you are a rookie does not mean I'm going to go easy on you."

"Right," Serena says in understanding

Timothy and his Pokemon walk over to one side of the field while Serena and her Pokemon walk to the other side. Ash and Pikachu stand behind Serena while Dawn walks over to the sidelines.

"Now let's show them that we can double battle, you two," Serena says to Pancham and Braixen.

"Pancham, Pan," Pancham says with a nod.

"Braixen," Braixen says with its stick already on fire.

Serena then turns to Absol, Poliwag, and Sylveon and says, "Keep a sharp eye on the battle, okay? I want all of us to benefit from it."

"Sylveon," Sylveon says cutely.

"Poli, Poli," Poliwag says, bouncing.

"Sol," Absol says with a nod.

"Just do your best, Serena," Ash says with a toothy grin and a thumbs up.

"Pika, Pika," Pikachu says with its own thumbs up.

Serena smiles and nods to the raven-haired boy and his partner before she turns around just in time to see Dawn raise her hand.

"This will be a double battle between Serena and Timothy!" she announces. "The battle will be over when both Pokemon on either side are unable to continue! Are the competitors ready?"

"Ready!" Serena and Timothy say simultaneously.

"Then battle begin!" Dawn shouts with a playful twirl.

Timothy turns to his opponent and says, "You may have the first move, Serena."

"Thanks," Serena says politely before her face turns serious, and she stretches out her arm. "Braixen, use Flamethrower on Electchu! Pancham, use Dark Pulse on Poliwrath!"

"Electchu, Poliwrath, counter with Electro Ball and Bubble Beam, then fire back using the same attacks!" Timothy instructs.

All four Pokemon fire their respective attacks, and they all collide, causing a big explosion. While the battlefield is still covered in smoke, Electchu and Poliwrath use Electro Ball and Bubble Beam again. Serena doesn't know that they're attacking again until she sees the attacks emerge from the smoke.

"Braixen, Pancham, dodge quick!" She shouts.

Pancham quickly does a side flip, dodging the Electro Ball just in the nick of time, but as Braixen jumps to do the same, some of Poliwrath's bubbles hit its leg, and it squeals in pain. The fox Pokemon lands on one knee and drops its stick and rubs its leg while the smoke clears.

"Don't let up!" Timothy commands. "Electchu, use Electro Ball again on Pancham, and Poliwrath, use Hydro Pump."

Serena's heart sinks. Braixen is still injured, and Pancham is too far away from its companion to protect it.

"What do I do?" She asks herself in her mind. "Braixen is too distracted to dodge, and Pancham is too far away. How can I tell Pancham to help Braixen if it's unable to reach her in -"

Suddenly, she gasps sharply in realization.

"That's it," she whispers to herself before she turns to Pancham. "Pancham, dodge again, then use Stone Edge to protect Braixen!"

Pancham does another side flip in the opposite direction, dodging another Electro Ball before it slams its fist into the ground. Glowing light blue pillars appear from the ground and rush toward the front of Braixen, creating a wall in front of it. Poliwrath's Hydro Pump hits the pillars, but it doesn't do anything to them, completely protecting Braixen.

"Very good, Serena," Timothy says. "That's a good way to have Pancham protect Braixen from a distance. But remember, while Hydro Pump might not destroy that Stone Edge, some can -"

But while he is talking, Braixen stands back up, and Serena gets another idea.

"Braixen, use Fire Blast on the Stone Edge, then use Flamethrower on Electchu while you use Stone Edge on Poliwrath, Pancham!" She orders.

Braixen picks up its stick and unleashes a powerful Fire Blast on the light blue pillars, and they explode, causing countless light blue sparkles and several sparks of fire appear right in front of Timothy and his Pokemon. The three of them are caught off by surprise, struggling to see past the spectacle. The next thing Timothy knows, a stream of fire hits his Raichu while more pillars emerging from the ground and hit Poliwrath, sending it flying a few feet away. Electchu and Poliwrath lie on the ground for a few seconds before they get up. Timothy stares at the scratches and burns on his Pokemon's bodies before he looked at Serena with a smirk.

"You sly girl," he says. "You took advantage of me lecturing."

"She sure did," Ash praises. "That was an awesome way to leave your opponents disoriented so that you can land a couple of hits, Serena."

Serena smiles bashfully, glad Ash is standing behind her so he can't see her face.

"W-w-well, it's kind of like how I have Braixen destroy Pancham's Stone Edge by hopping on the pillars during a performance," she says shyly. "I wondered if I could use the same concept to distract Timothy, Electchu, and Poliwrath, so I took a chance."

"Great idea, Serena," Dawn compliments. "You're getting the hang of this already."

Sylveon, Poliwag, and Absol all make calls of agreement.

"Indeed she is, but let's see how she handles a tricky situation," Timothy says with a grin. "Poliwrath, use Surf and Electchu, ride along with him and use Iron Tail!!"

Poliwrath chuckles mischievously and raises its hands in the air. The gesture creates a large wave of water, and Electchu hops on Poliwrath's back as they ride on top of the wave.

"Braixen, Pancham, dodge it quick!" Serena cries out.

But the wave is too big for either Pokemon to avoid. Braixen and Pancham look around desperately for a way to dodge until the wave crashes into them. When the water clears, Braixen groans weakly with its fur all wet, and the fire on its stick singed out. Pancham is fairing a little better, but Electchu is taking advantage of its incapacitated state to attack it with Iron Tail.

"Pancham, block Electchu with Arm Thrust, quick!" Serena shouts.

Pancham shakes its head and sees the Raichu's Iron Tail heading straight for its head. The little panda-like Pokemon quickly makes its paw turn white and hold it up in the air to barely block the attack. Electchu tries to break the counter by pushing its tail down against Pancham's arm so that it can connect with its head, but Pancham uses Arm Thrust with its other arm to knock the Raichu's tail back. Electchu and Poliwrath take several steps back toward Timothy and wait for their trainer's next move.

"Sharp thinking with having Pancham defend itself, but you should have tried to think of a way for Braixen to defend itself too," Timothy critiques. "Remember, your Pokemon are counting on you for guidance. They can't win a battle together without you."

Serena's heart sinks at Timothy's words. She turns to Pancham, who is brushing off the water from its fur, still ready to fight and then to Braixen, who is looking weak from the powerful water attack.

"What do I do?" She asks herself worriedly. "This is just like my battle with Dawn. I can't support both of my Pokemon in time. All it takes is one more hit from Poliwrath, and Braixen will be down for good, leaving Pancham all alone to defend itself. How can I stop this?"

Suddenly, she feels someone place their hand on her shoulder from behind, and she turns around, shocked to see Ash standing next to her with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Ash?" Serena says, taken aback.

"Just smile, Serena," he says encouragingly with a toothy grin. "Remember when Aria told you how important it is to smile."

"Pikachu," Pikachu says in an upbeat attitude.

Serena's eyes widen in realization. She covers her mouth and looks down at the floor in thought.

"How could I have forgotten?" She thinks to herself. "Aria always said to do everything with a beautiful, radiant smile. That's how she handles everything, and that's why she beat me at the Master Class: she's always trying to make people and Pokemon smile, and that's what I want to do too. I've been so hung up on just seeing my last ribbon and trying to know how to double battle that I've forgotten why I'm on this journey in the first place."

Serena closes her eyes and takes a huge breath. Then she turns to Ash and Pikachu and gives them a smile to show that she's alright. Ash grins again and steps back while Serena turns to her Pokemon.

"Pancham, Braixen, it's going to be okay," she says softly. "We're going to get through this. Just keep smiling like me, and we'll show those three how it's done, okay?"

The honey blonde girl's Pokemon turn to her and feel uplifted by her words. Pancham grins and nods at its trainer while Braixen stands up and smiles at her while still feeling weak.

"Now, Braixen use Flamethrower on yourself!" Serena says confidently.

"What?" Timothy says, confused.

Braixen nods and points its stick at itself. Then it says its name loudly and fire comes out of its stick, setting the fox Pokemon ablaze. When the fire clears, Braixen has a couple of burns in its body, but its fur is dry, and it takes another battle stance.

"Braixen!" It shouts energetically.

"Way to go, Braixen!" Serena calls out happy.

Electchu, Poliwrath, and especially Timothy stare at the display dumbfounded.

"Uh...okay..." Timothy says hesitantly. "I can't say I've seen anyone do something like that. Did you just come up with that by yourself."

"Not exactly," Serena admits. "Ash did something similar by having Pikachu use Electro Ball on itself to keep it from falling asleep after getting hit with Sleep Powder. I just took a chance and had Braixen do something similar to help it regain its strength."

Timothy raises his eyebrow and smirks.

"An interesting effort, but let's see if you really succeeded," he says before turning to his Pokemon. "Electchu, Poliwrath, use your Surf-Iron Tail combo one more time!"

Electchu gets behind Poliwrath, and the tadpole Pokemon creates another giant wave of water for the two of them to ride on. Braixen and Pancham stare at the water nervously until Serena calls out to them.

"Don't be afraid, you two," Serena says comfortingly. "Use Flamethrower and Dark Pulse right at that wave of water! Give it everything you've got!"

The fox Pokemon and the playful Pokemon take her words to heart, and they release a giant steam of fire and a large beam of purple circles respectively. The two moves merge together, and they burst through the wave of water, creating a big gaping hole. Poliwrath loses control of its move, and it and Electchu struggles to stay balanced before thy Surf attack completely collapses, and the two Pokemon hit the ground with a thud, surprising Timothy.

"Great job!" Serena praises. "Now use Flamethrower and Dark Pulse again and then attack head-on with Scratch and Arm Thrust!"

The honey blonde girl's Pokemon fire their respective attacks again, and Timothy snaps out of his state of shock and turns to his Pokemon.

"Poliwrath, use Bubble Beam, and Electchu, use Thunder!" He shouts.

Electchu and Poliwrath get up and realize what is happening just in time to use their attacks to cancel their opponent's attacks. But it was all part of Serena's plan, for after the four attacks blow up, Braixen and Pancham emerge from the smoke with their paws glowing white.

"Iron Tail! Dynamic Punch! Quick!" Timothy barks.

The mouse and tadpole Pokemon block just in the nick of time, but Serena does not plan to leave it at that.

"Use Scratch and Arm Thrust multiple times!" She commands.

"You do the same with Iron Tail and Dynamic Punch!" Timothy orders. "Do not give them an inch!"

The four Pokemon do as they're told, using their respective attacks constantly. They keep clashing tails/fists/claws at each other furiously like two pairs of warriors trying to strike the other side down with their swords. Timothy watches the Pokemon fight with a determined glare while Serena keeps smiling, putting her faith in her Pokemon.

"Keep going, you two!" She cheers. "You can do it! I believe in you! Give it everything you've got!"

Her words ring deep into the ears of her Pokemon, but Pancham takes them into its heart the most. As it keeps using Arm Thrust to try to best Poliwrath, the panda-like Pokemon thinks about Serena's first contest battle at Cerulean City. She chose Pancham to lead her to her first ribbon at the battle stage, but at their first battle, it was easily beaten by Hypno and was powerless to do anything about it. Ever since then, the playful Pokemon has been eager to improve, so it and Serena would never have a moment like that again.

Pancham keeps throwing Arm Thrust after Arm Thrust at Poliwrath, only for its opponent to block with its powerful fists. It keeps trying to overpower its water-and-fighting-type opponent, eager to do anything to keep Serena smiling. Suddenly, as Pancham keeps attacking Poliwrath, its arms begin to change from glowing white to purple. Before Pancham or Poliwrath know it, a purple aura appears on both of Pancham's paws shaped like sharp claws. With a spin, Pancham strikes upward at its opponent with its claws, and the tadpole Pokemon takes a couple steps back in pain. It bumps into Electchu, which distracts the mouse Pokemon long enough for Braixen to scratch it hard. Timothy's Pokemon take several steps away from their opponents, taken aback that they were hit, surprising their trainer.

"What just happened?" Timothy asks, confused.

"I... think Pancham used Shadow Claw," Dawn says in realization.

"Hey, I think you're right!" Ash says excitedly. "Pancham just learned Shadow Claw!"

"Pika, Pika," Pikachu says.

"Alright!" Serena shouts, smiling brightly. "Way to go, Pancham!"

"Pancham, Cham," Pancham replies happily.

The playful Pokemon turns to Braixen, and they nod at each other before they take another battle stance at Electchu and Poliwrath. Timothy stands there, contemplating what has happened before he smirks.

"Congratulations on your Pancham learning a new move, Serena," he says. "But let's see what you do with this. Poliwrath, use Surf, and make it as big as possible."

Poliwrath nods and summons a bigger wave of water and rides on top of it. Serena smirks at the display with a plan already in mind.

"Braixen, Pancham, use Flamethrower and Dark Pulse on that wave just like last time!" She orders.

The honey blonde girl's Pokemon use their respective attacks again, and they create another hole in the wave, causing it to collapse again.

"Poliwrath, jump off, and Electchu, use Hyper Beam!" Timothy commands.

Serena gasps at the sound of that command. When the wave of water collapses, Poliwrath lands on the ground safely while Electchu is creating a powerful Hyper Beam aimed at both of her Pokemon.

"It was a diversion!" She shouts in realization. "Pancham, Braixen use Dark Pulse and Flamethrower again! Give it everything you've got, quick!"

Braixen and Pancham quickly realize what is happening, and they quickly create the biggest Flamethrower and Dark Pulse they can muster. As they fire their two moves, Electchu releases its Hyper Beam. The moves collide, creating an explosion so powerful that it knocks everyone, people and Pokemon off their feet. The deck is silent for a moment before they all groans and slowly sits up just in time for a crewman to arrive.

"Is everyone okay?" He asks worriedly. "What happened?"

"We're fine," Ash groans while helping Serena up. "We just got knocked off our feet while Timothy and Serena are battling."

The crewman frowns and says, "In that case, I think you should stop battling. By the looks of it, you might damage the ship if you keep it up."

Everyone turns to look at the floor to find the center of it singed.

"I think that's fair," Timothy says, turning to Serena. "Shall we call it a draw, Serena?"

"Sounds good to me," Serena says.

"Thank you," the crewman says politely before he walks away.

Once the crewman is gone, Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, Dawn, Piplup, Sylveon, Poliwag, and Absol walk over to Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Braixen, and Pancham. Serena is petting her first two Pokemon for a job well done while Dawn stands behind her to pat her on the back.

"Nice job, Serena. You improved quickly," the blunette says with a cheerful grin.

"You mean it, Dawn?" Serena asks with hope in her voice.

"Sure. I think you're starting to think of your own creative double battle combos," Dawn answers.

"I agree," Ash says. "What you did with Pancham's Stone Edge both to protect Braixen and to distract Electchu and Poliwrath was amazing. And what you did to destroy Poliwrath's Surf was awesome!"

Serena turns to Ash and smiles at the raven-haired boy.

"I second that. You are a quick learner." Timothy compliments. "Though I do have one more suggestion for you."

"Oh?" Serena asks, turning to the man.

"You need to create more combos with your Braixen and Pancham than just Flamethrower and Dark Pulse," Timothy critiques. "I don't know how important it is in Pokemon contests, but I think it is strategically wise to have more than one combo for each pair of Pokemon you choose."

"Yeah, you're right about that, Timothy," Dawn says with a nod. "You're more likely to impress the judges if you have more creative tricks up your sleeve."

"Okay, I can definitely do that," Serena says confidently.

"Good," Timothy says with a smile. "Then, if you keep practicing, I'm sure you're going to get your last ribbon in no time."

"Of course, she will," Ash says proudly. "With Serena her Pokemon growing and all of us including Brock, Holly, and Coovers to cheer her on, that contest ribbon at Cremini Town is as good as hers."

"That's right," Dawn says.

"Pikachu," Pikachu says.

"Piplup," Piplup squeaks.

Serena smiles kindly at her friends, and the group is quiet until Dawn decides to speak.

"Well, if we're done teaching for the day, I think Piplup and I are gonna hit the swimming pool."

"Piplup!" Piplup shouts excitedly.

"Count us in. Right, buddy?" Ash says.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu replies.

Ash turns to Serena and asks, "Serena, you coming?"

Serena's cheeks heat up again as her eyes meet his hazel ones. She smiles again before she shakes her head.

"No, I think I'll practice more with my Pokemon," she says politely before turning to Timothy. "What about you, Timothy?"

Timothy thinks about it before he says, "I guess I might find a place to train. I do have my next Frontier battle coming soon."

"Good idea," Ash says. "Well, catch you guys later."

"Bye, Ash. Have fun, Dawn," Serena calls out as her two friends and their Pokemon leave.

For a few seconds, there is silence between Timothy and Serena and their Pokemon. The man in the "H.A.K" shirt feels a little awkward until he clears his throat.

"Between the two of us, that was a gutsy but effective way to try to protect your Pokemon from that Hyper Beam," he says.

Serena can't help but chuckle and say, "Well, I didn't want to resort to just trying to tell my Pokemon to dodge, especially since it clearly would have been hard to do given how Electchu took out Pikachu."

"True," Timothy says. "Speaking of Ash, I overheard him telling you that your friend Aria also told you to smile when you had your first double battle."

Serena smiles and says, "Yes, she did tell me that. I've been taking it to heart ever since that day. Aria defeated me at the end of the Master Class, and I realized back then that it was partly because she gives it her all to make people and Pokemon happy through her performances. That's when I realized I want to do the same, except I want to do that all over the world, not just in Kalos. I'm glad Ash reminded me that I need to stay positive for my Pokemon. I guess I've been so worried about getting my last ribbon and my lack of experience in double battles that I forgot what is most important."

"Amazing how your demeanor can instantaneously affect how well you and your Pokemon do together, huh?" Timothy says with a smile.

"Uh-huh," Serena says with a nod. "But that's why I'm glad I have someone like Ash to help me. I don't think you'll have a better person to be there for you like that than Ash."

Timothy teasingly smirks at Serena and asks, "I'm taking that kind of biased talk from the girl that is crushing on him?"

Serena's face turns red, and she lets out a high-pitched whimper. She looks away from Timothy bashfully, and the older trainer merely chuckles in response.

"That's what I thought," he said.

"Wh-who told you?" Serena stutters.

"Brock," Timothy answers bluntly. "He told me, Coovers, and Scott when we were heading to the Battle Pike."

Serena's face turns redder out of annoyance toward the man who said he was going to help her with her feelings. Timothy smirks at Serena for a moment before he looks away.

"I have to say that you're in a bit of a pickle," he says. "Truth be told, it's rather strange to me how a guy at that age can be that vacuous about something like romance."

Serena frowns sadly, knowing Timothy is right.

"I know," she admits.

Timothy turns his head to Serena and frowns, knowing his words dampened her spirit.

"Sorry," he says. "How long have you been feeling this way about him exactly?"

Serena stays silent for a couple of seconds until she answers.

"I don't really know," she says. "I guess I always admired him ever since the day we met so many years ago, but at some point, my feelings grew stronger when we were traveling at Kalos. He just meant more to me than I can say before I realized it."

Timothy nods and makes a face.

"I don't want to sound like I'm trying to discourage you, but why do you keep persuing him?" he asks. "I know I haven't known either of you for very long, but I get the feeling that maybe you should find someone who knows what those feelings are and can return how you feel."

"Because that's not who I am," Serena says before turning to Timothy. "I was once told to give up on him by someone who also cares for him but gave up on her feelings. She made a good argument, but the fact is I can't bring myself to do what she or you or anyone else says I should do. I know how unlikely it is that Ash might return my feelings, and I don't know if we'll always be going on journeys together, but what I have for him is not something to let go."

"You don't know that for sure," Timothy says. "You are both very young and have so much of your life ahead of you. There's no telling who you might meet that might be better for you if you don't try."

Serena frowns and says, "Tell me, Timothy, how old are you?"

Timothy looks at her confused before he plainly answers, "28."

"28," Serena repeats. "And in all the years of your life, have you ever had the feeling to truly, deeply care for someone other than your family or your Pokemon? To have someone mean so much to you that you would do anything to be in that person's life and make that person happy always?"

"No," Timothy answers.

"Have you ever wanted to?" Serena asks.

"No."

"Why not?"

Timothy frowns and says, "Because I have little to no desire for such things. I am a Pokemon trainer, and it's been my goal to catch and befriend many Pokemon and win every single Pokemon League. That's all I have ever wanted in my life. Nothing is more important than that. Not even what you or Coovers, or Brock and Holly desire."

Serena gives Timothy a sad look and asks, "And then what? What do you plan to do once you've accomplished everything you've wanted?"

Timothy thinks for a moment and says, "You're the third person on this journey to ask me that question."

"I am?" Serena asks, surprised.

"Mmmm-hmmm," Timothy says with a nod before looking away at the honey blonde girl. "And I don't have a clear answer for you. Maybe after I complete my dream, I'll just rest and spend the rest of my days in Pallet Town, where all of my Pokemon reside in Professor Oak's lab. Maybe I'll look for Pokemon I don't have yet and catch as many of them as possible till the end of my days. Maybe I'll find a job that involves doing things together with just me and my Pokemon."

Serena frowns and asks, "Would you be doing either of those things alone with just your Pokemon?"

"Of course," Timothy says bluntly as if Serena asked something silly.

Serena's frown deepens, and she up and hugs Poliwag, who is standing next to her before she says, "Timothy, I treasure my Pokemon with all my heart. There are so many things I still want to experience with each and every one of them. But none of us - not me or Braixen or Pancham or Sylveon or Poliwag or Absol would ever want to be away from all of our other friends when we can work together to make so many people and Pokemon happy. Why, we would never be who we are today if it weren't for the support of all of our friends, including you. Isn't that right, everyone?"

Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon, Poliwag, and Absol all make calls of agreement before Serena continues.

"We may not have won the Master Class, and I don't know if we will get our last contest ribbon or win the Grand Festival, but even if we don't get what we want, we have what we need in each other, and everyone around us and that is more important than becoming Kalos Queen or winning every single Grand Festival in the world. It's for reasons like that and more that are why I will never forgive myself if I gave up on Ash just because the odds are too great. That just means I have to keep on trying to whatever end. It's just like Ash said to me a long time ago; don't give up until it's over."

Everyone is completely silent after Serena says her piece. Timothy is taken aback by how firmly Serena spoke. After about a minute, he lets out a sigh and looks down on the ground.

"I don't agree with you, but I understand why you believe what you believe," he says.

Serena is surprised and frowns again, disappointed. In her mind, she doesn't think Timothy understand at all. To her, it's almost as if Timothy is as devoted to Pokemon as Ash but for the wrong reasons. She sighs and secretly worries for the man in the "H.A.K. shirt while Timothy clears his throat.

"Well, we better get going," he says. "We're not getting any stronger by standing around here. Come on, Electchu, Poliwrath."

The two fully-evolved Pokemon nod and follow their trainer. Serena watches them, still frowning until they are out of sight. Her worry over Timothy's views grows until she feels something rubbing against her right leg. She looks down to find Absol standing next to her leg with a cheerful smile.

"Sol," it says cutely.

Serena smiles and says, "Thanks, Absol," as she gets down on her knees and pets Absol while still holding Poliwag before turning to the rest of her party.

"Alright, everyone, we have work to do, " she says. "I don't know if we'll have to do any more double battles any time soon, but that battle has given me all sorts of ideas. Pancham, I especially want to experiment in what we can do with Stone Edge and Shadow Claw, okay?"

"Pancham!" Pancham shouts excitedly.

Serena smiles brightly with her eyes closed, glad to see her Pokemon so excited. As Poliwag hops out of her arms and all five of her Pokemon await her instructions, Serena puts her hand on her ribbon and takes a deep breath, remembering what Ash reminded her to do and reminding herself to stay positive with her feelings for the boy of her wishes.